BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular to
an image forming apparatus comprising an operation panel having a display and an input
section.
Description of Related Art
[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus comprising an operation panel having a
display and an input section is known. Because the operation panel of the image forming
apparatus is attached at a position and an operating environment of the operation
panel is designed in view of use of normal healthy persons, there is a case wherein
it is difficult that handicapped persons operate the operation panel or handicapped
persons can not operate the operation panel when they use the image forming apparatus.
[0003] Therefore, an image forming apparatus that the position at which the operation panel
is attached or the operating environment of the operating panel is improved in view
of use of handicapped persons is proposed. For example, the image forming apparatus
include one for outputting an operation guide with sounds for the completely blind
or the weak-sighted person, one having a long detecting time of various buttons displayed
on the display or the input section for the slow action person, one comprising the
display having display colors changed from full colors to black and white for the
color-blind person or the weak-sighted person, one comprising the operation panel
having an angle adjusted so as to be operated easily for the wheelchair user, and
so on.
[0004] However, when the attachment position or the operating environment of the operation
panel of the image forming apparatus is improved in view of use of handicapped persons,
normal healthy persons may not use the image forming apparatus easily. For example,
when the operation guide is outputted with sounds, normal healthy persons may feel
the operation guide noises according to an environment or a place of use of the image
forming apparatus. Further, when the detecting time of various buttons displayed on
the display or the input section is determined to be long, because the reaction is
delayed, the operation may be hindered. Further, the display colors of the display
are changed to black and white, normal healthy persons may recognize contents displayed
in full colors more easily, that is, normal healthy persons may fell it not easy to
recognize contents displayed in black and white. Further, when the angle of the operation
panel is adjusted so that the wheelchair user operates the operation panel easily,
normal healthy persons may feel it not easy to operate the operation panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is accomplished in order to solve the above-described problems.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having
an operation improved in view of use of normal healthy persons and handicapped persons.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, an image forming apparatus comprising an
operation panel having a display and an input section, comprises: a specifying section
for specifying whether a user is a normal healthy person or a handicapped person;
a storage for storing an operation function when the normal healthy person uses the
apparatus, and an operation function when the handicapped person uses the apparatus;
and an operation function changing section for reading a corresponding operation function
out of the storage, and changing an operation function of the operation panel according
as the normal healthy person or the handicapped person is specified by the specifying
section.
[0008] According to the apparatus of the present invention, because the operation function
of the operation panel is changed according to the user, it is possible to improve
the operation of the image forming apparatus in view that normal healthy persons and
handicapped persons use the image forming apparatus.
[0009] Preferably, in the apparatus of the present invention, the specifying section comprises
a toggle switch for switching between the normal healthy person and the handicapped
person alternatively, and specifying any one of the normal healthy person and the
handicapped person.
[0010] According to the apparatus, it is possible to easily specify whether the user is
the normal healthy person or the handicapped person by switching the toggle switch
alternatively. Further, because the user is always specified, it is possible to smoothly
change the operation function according to the user. Furthermore, because the user
can be specified by one toggle switch, it is possible to reduce cost of the apparatus.
[0011] Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention, further comprises a selecting
section for selecting a condition of the handicapped person from a completely blind
condition, a weak-sighted condition, a color-blind condition, a hearing condition,
a slow action condition and a wheelchair condition, when the user is the handicapped
person, wherein the storage stores an operation function when the handicapped person
uses the apparatus, according to the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section; and the operation function changing section reads the operation
function corresponding to the condition of the handicapped person selected by the
selecting section out of the storage, and changes the operation function of the operation
panel so as to correspond to the condition of the handicapped person, when the handicapped
person is specified by the specifying section.
[0012] According to the apparatus, when the user is the handicapped person, the operation
function of the operation panel is changed so as to correspond to the condition of
the handicapped person. Consequently, for example, it is possible to change a condition
such as a sound guide of the operation panel, sound volume, brightness of the display,
display colors, a recognition time of an operation button displayed on the display,
an angle of the operation panel or the like, according to the condition of the handicapper
person (the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition, the color-blind
condition, the hearing condition, the slow action condition, or the wheelchair condition).
As a result, it is possible to improve the operation of the image forming apparatus
for handicapped persons.
[0013] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the selecting section is capable of
selecting a plurality of conditions of the handicapped person.
[0014] According to the apparatus, because a plurality of conditions of the handicapped
person can be selected, it is possible to apply operation functions corresponding
to a plurality of conditions of the handicapped person to the operation panel. Consequently,
for example, when the condition of the handicapped person includes the completely
blind condition and the wheelchair condition, it is possible to change an angle of
the operation panel with outputting a sound guide of the operation panel. As a result,
it is possible to provide the most suitable operation environment of the image forming
apparatus for the handicapped person.
[0015] Preferably, the above-described apparatus further comprises a guide section for outputting
an operation guide with sounds, wherein the operation function changing section makes
the guide section output the operation guide of the operation panel when the condition
selected by the selecting section is at least one of the completely blind condition,
the weak-sighted condition and the hearing condition.
[0016] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is at least
one of the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition and the hearing
condition, because the operation guide is outputted with sounds, it is possible that
the handicapped person operates the image forming apparatus easily.
[0017] Preferably, the above-described apparatus further comprises a sound volume specifying
section for specifying sound volume of the operation guide outputted by the guide
section, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section
is the hearing condition.
[0018] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is the hearing
person, it is possible to specify the sound volume of the operation guide with sounds,
for example, to specify the higher sound volume than usual. Consequently, when the
condition of the handicapped person is the hearing condition, it is possible to adjust
the sound volume of the operation guide so that the handicapped person can hear the
operation guide easily.
[0019] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the storage further stores a display
function provided for the display, when the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section is at least one of the hearing condition and the weak-sighted
condition, and the operation function changing section changes the display function
of the display on the basis of the display function stored in the storage, when the
condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least
one of the hearing condition and the weak-sighted condition.
[0020] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is at least
one of the hearing condition and the weak-sighted condition, because the display function
is changed, for example, it is possible to change luminance, a contrast, light quantity
or the like of the display. Consequently, when the condition of the handicapped person
is at least one of the hearing condition and the weak-sited condition, it is possible
to adjust brightness of the display so as to be seen easily.
[0021] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the storage further stores a display
function to enlarge and display an operation instruction content displayed on the
display, and a display size, when the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section is the weak-sited condition, and the operation function changing
section enlarges and displays the operation instruction content to be displayed on
the display on the basis of the display function and the display size stored in the
storage, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section
is the weak-sighted condition.
[0022] According to the apparatus, the condition of the handicapped person is the weak-sighted
person, because the operation instruction content to be displayed on the display is
enlarged and displayed on the display, it is possible to adjust the operation instruction
content so as to be seen easily.
[0023] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the storage further stores a specified
display color of the display, when the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section is at least one of the weak-sited condition and the color-blind
condition, and the operation function changing section changes display colors of the
display on the basis of the specified display color stored in the storage, when the
condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least
one of the weak-sited condition and the color blind condition.
[0024] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is at least
one of the weak-sighted condition and the color-blind condition, because the display
colors of the display are changed on the basis of the specified display color, it
is possible to adjust the display so as to be seen easily.
[0025] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the storage further stores a specified
recognition time of an operation on the operation panel, when the condition of the
handicapped person selected by the selecting section is the slow action condition,
and the operation function changing section changes a recognition time of the operation
on the operation panel on the basis of the specified recognition time stored in the
storage, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section
is the slow action condition.
[0026] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is the slow
action condition, because the recognition time of the operation of the operation panel
is changed, it is possible to determine the most suitable recognition time.
[0027] Preferably, the above-described apparatus further comprises an angle changing section
for changing an angle of an operation surface of the operation panel, wherein the
storage further storages a specified angle of the operation surface of the operation
panel when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section
is the wheelchair condition, and the operation function changing section changes an
angle of the operation surface of the operation panel by the angle changing section
on the basis of the specified angle stored in the storage, when the condition of the
handicapped person selected by the selecting section is the wheelchair condition.
[0028] According to the apparatus, when the condition of the handicapped person is the wheelchair
condition, because the angle of the operation surface of the operation panel is changed,
it is possible to adjust the angle so that the operation panel is seen easily.
[0029] Preferably, in the above-described apparatus, the operation function changing section
cancels the operation function changed according to the condition of the handicapped
person selected by the selecting section, and changes the operation function of the
operation panel for the normal healthy person on the basis of the operation function
corresponding to the normal healthy person stored in the storage.
[0030] According to the apparatus, when the user is the normal healthy person, the operation
function of the operation panel changed according to the handicapped person is canceled,
and the operation function corresponding to the normal healthy person is applied to
the operation panel. Consequently, it is possible to apply the operation function
which the normal healthy person can use easily to the operation panel. Further, because
the most suitable operation of the image forming apparatus is provided for the user,
it is possible that the normal healthy person and the handicapped person use the image
forming apparatus in common.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description
given hereinafter and the accompanying drawing given by way of illustration only,
and thus are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention,
and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus
1;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an operation panel 12 of the image forming apparatus
1;
FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing a flow of a mode setting processing;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing a flow of a condition changing processing;
FIGS. 5A and 5B are views showing examples of screens of a liquid crystal display
12a of the image forming apparatus 1; and
FIG. 6 is a view showing a change in an angle of the operation panel 12 of the image
forming apparatus 1.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the present invention
is applied will be described in detail, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0033] According to the present embodiment, a normal healthy person/handicapped person switch
SW 12d as follows functions as the specifying section claimed in claims of the present
invention, a nonvolatile memory 15 functions as the memory, a controller 11 functions
as the operation function changing section, a tough panel 12b functions as the selecting
section, a speaker section 12e functions as the guide section, and a driving section
13 functions as the angle changing section.
[0034] First, the structure will be explained as follows.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus
1.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a controller 11, an operation
panel 12, a driving section 13, a RAM 14, a nonvolatile memory 15, an image reading
section 16, an image forming section 17 and an output section 18, which are connected
to each other through a bus 19.
[0037] The controller 11 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The controller
11 develops a program specified of a system program stored in the nonvolatile memory
15, and an image reading program or an image forming program corresponding to the
system program, in a work area of the RAM 14, which is not shown in figures, and controls
each section according to the specified program. The controller 11 performs an image
reading processing or an image forming processing according to the program developed
in the RAM 14, and displays a process of the processing on a liquid crystal display
12a.
[0038] Further, the controller 11 performs a mode setting processing (which is described
with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B) for setting an operation mode of the operation
panel 12 corresponding to handicapped persons, and a condition changing processing
(which is described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B) for changing a condition of
the operation mode.
[0039] According to the mode setting processing, the controller 11 determines a sound guide,
sound volume, brightness of the display, display colors, recognition time of operation
buttons, an angle of the operation panel 12 or the like, thought the operation panel
12, according to each of a completely blind mode, a weak-sighted mode, a color-blind
mode, a hearing mode, a slow action mode and a wheelchair mode which are operation
modes for handicapped persons. Thereafter, the controller 11 stores the condition
determined in each mode, in the nonvolatile memory 15.
[0040] According to the condition changing processing, the controller 11 determines whether
the present mode is the normal healthy person mode or the handicapped person mode,
on the switching condition of the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch
SW 12d provided on the operation panel 12. When the controller 11 determines that
the present mode is the normal healthy person mode, the controller 11 applies an operation
function based on a usual condition stored in a normal healthy person data file 15b
to the operation panel 12. When the controller 11 determines that the present mode
is the handicapped person mode, the controller 11 applies an operation function based
on a condition corresponding to the completely blind mode, the weak-sighted mode,
the color-blind mode, the hearing mode, the slow action mode or the wheelchair mode,
stored in a handicapped person data file 15a to the operation panel 12.
[0041] The operation panel 12 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the operation panel 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the
operation panel 12 comprises the liquid crystal display 12a, the touch panel 12b,
a numeric keypad 12c, the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d,
and the speaker section 12e.
[0043] The liquid crystal display 12a generates a display signal based on display data outputted
from the controller 11, and displays various images on a screen thereof. For example,
the liquid crystal display 12a displays buttons or the like for determining various
conditions for forming images, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0044] The touch panel 12b is combined with the screen of the liquid crystal display 12a
as one, as shown in FIG. 2. The touch panel 12b outputs a coordinate signal of a position
pushed with a finger or the like, to the controller 11.
[0045] The numeric keypad 12c consists of a key board comprising numeric keys (numeric input
keys) for specifying the number of output copies of images, a clear key for releasing
the condition of the number of output copies specified, a start key for starting outputting
images, various function keys or the like. The numeric keypad 12c outputs a signal
of key pushed to the controller 11.
[0046] The normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d consists of a toggle switch.
The normal health person/handicapped person switch SW 12d switches between the normal
healthy person mode and the handicapped person mode alternatively, even when operated,
and outputs a mode signal to the controller 11.
[0047] The speaker section 12e comprises a speaker, a D/A converter, an amplifier or the
like. When the D/A converter converts sound guide data read out of a sound guide data
file 15c of the nonvolatile memory 15 by the controller 11 to an analog sound signal,
the amplifier amplifies the analog sound signal to sound volume specified. Then, the
sound is outputted from the speaker.
[0048] The driving section 13 is connected to a back portion of the operation panel 12,
as shown in FIG. 2. The angle of the operation surface of the operation panel 12 to
the operator is controlled by the driving section 13. Therefore, for example, the
angle of the operation surface of the operation panel 12 is changed as shown in FIG.
6.
[0049] The driving section 13 comprises a driving mechanism including a stepping motor,
which is not shown in figures. The driving section 13 drives and rotates the stepping
motor on the basis of angle data outputted from the controller 11. Therefore, the
angle of the operation panel 12 is controlled as shown in FIG. 6.
[0050] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 14 has a work memory area for storing the application
program specified as described above, inputted instructions, inputted data, results
of the processing or the like.
[0051] The nonvolatile memory 15 comprises storage means in which contents are not eliminated
even if the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off. For example, the nonvolatile
memory 15 includes a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable
ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) and so on.
[0052] The nonvolatile memory 15 previously stores the system program of the image forming
apparatus 1, and various application programs or data corresponding to the system.
All or one part of the program, data or the like stored in the nonvolatile memory
15 may be transmitted to a communication controller which is not shown in figures
through a transmission medium such as a network line or the like from another apparatus
(for example, a personal computer).
[0053] The nonvolatile memory 15 stores the handicapped person data file 15a, the normal
healthy person data file 15b, the sound guide data file 15c and a color data file
15d therein. Herein, the handicapped person data file 15a stores the condition of
the following mode setting processing shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, that is, the condition
of the operation function corresponding to handicapped persons. The normal healthy
person data file 15b stores the condition of the operation function corresponding
to normal healthy persons, that is, the usual condition. The sound guide data file
15c stores sound guide data for guiding handicapped persons (for example, the completely
blind, the weak-sighted person, the hearing person or the like) with sounds in operating
the image forming apparatus 1. The color data file 15d stores color data used when
changing display colors of the liquid crystal display 12a.
[0054] The image reading section 16 comprises a scanner under a contact grass on which copies
are placed, and makes the scanner read images of the copies. The scanner comprises
a light source, a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like. When the scanner
irradiates light emitted from the light source to the copy, scans the copy with the
light, forms an image on the basis of reflections of the light, and converts the image
electrically, the image of the copy is read. Then, the image reading section 16 outputs
the image read by the scanner to the image forming section 17. Herein, the image is
not limited to image data such as a figure, a photograph or the like. The image includes
text data or the like, such as a character, a signal or the like.
[0055] The image forming section 17 performs the image processing for enlarging or reducing
the size of the image outputted from the image reading section 16, rotating the image,
changing the position of the image or the like, according to the instruction inputted
through the touch panel 12b or the numeric keypad 12c. Thereafter, the image forming
section 17 outputs the image processed according to the processing to the output section
18.
[0056] The output section 18 comprises a photosensitive drum, a toner, a paper output section,
a feeder, or the like. The output section 18 makes the feeder feed the printing paper
having the size in the direction inputted through the touch panel 12b or the numeric
keypad 12c, and makes the photosensitive drum expose the electrostatic latent image
of the image outputted from the image forming section 17 to the printing paper, according
to the printing instruction outputted from the controller 11. Then, when the output
section 18 transcribes and fixes the toner to the printing paper to which the electrostatic
latent image is exposed, the output section 18 outputs the printing paper from the
paper output section.
[0057] Next, the operation will be explained.
[0058] First, the mode setting processing for storing the condition of the operation function
corresponding to the condition of the handicapped person in the handicapped person
data file 15a, will be explained.
[0059] First, an operator such as a service person instructs the image forming apparatus
1 to generate "the handicapped person data" through various function keys included
in the numeric keypad 12c on the operation panel 12 of the image forming apparatus
1. Therefore, the controller 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 performs the mode
setting processing as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0060] FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcarts showing the mode setting processing performed by the
image forming apparatus 1.
[0061] According to the mode setting processing, the controller 11 of the image forming
apparatus 1 displays a mode specifying screen which is not shown in figures, for specifying
a mode such as the completely blind mode, the weak-sighted mode, the color-blind mode,
the hearing mode, the slow action mode, the wheeling mode or the like, on the liquid
crystal display 12a.
[0062] The controller 11 receives the mode specified on the mode specifying screen, according
to the condition of the handicapped person using the operating panel 12b. At the time,
a plurality of modes according to the condition of the handicapped person using the
operation panel 12b, may be specified on the mode specifying screen.
[0063] When the completely blind mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is
not shown in figures (Step A1, YES), the controller 11 sets the sound guide ON (Step
A2). Then, when the controller 11 makes the operator specify the sound volume through
the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11 stores data corresponding to the sound volume
in the RAM 14 (Step A3). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing in
Step A4.
[0064] When the weak-sighted mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is not
shown in figures (Step A1; NO - Step A5; YES), the controller 11 sets the sound guide
ON (Step A2), makes the operator specify the sound volume through the numeric keypad
12c, and stores data corresponding to the sound volume in the RAM 14 (Step A7). Then,
when the controller 11 makes the operator specify the brightness (contrast and luminance)
of the liquid crystal display 12a through the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11
stores data corresponding to the brightness in the RAM 14 (Step A8). Then, when the
controller 11 makes the operator specify the size of the button enlarged and displayed
on the liquid crystal display 12a through the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11
stores data corresponding to the size in the RAM 14 (Step A9). Then, when the controller
11 makes the operator specify the display colors of the liquid crystal display 12a
through the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11 extracts color data corresponding
to the display colors from the color data file 15d, and stores the color data in the
RAM 14 (Step A10). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing in Step A4.
[0065] When the color-blind mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is not
shown in figures (Step A1; NO - Step A5; NO - Step A11; YES), the controller 11 makes
the operator specify display colors through the numeric keypad 12c, extracts color
data corresponding to the display colors from the color data file 15d, and stores
the color data in the RAM 14 (Step A12). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the
processing in Step A4.
[0066] When the hearing mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is not shown
in figures (Step A1; NO - Step A5; NO - Step A11; NO - Step A13; YES), the controller
11 sets the sound guide ON (Step A14). Then, when the controller 11 makes the operator
specify the sound volume through the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11 stores
data corresponding to the sound volume in the RAM 14 (Step A15). Then, when the controller
11 makes the operator specify the brightness (contrast and luminance) of the liquid
crystal display 12a through the numeric keypad 12c, the controller 11 stores data
corresponding to the brightness in the RAM 14 (Step A16). Thereafter, the controller
11 performs the processing in Step A4.
[0067] When the slow action mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is not
shown in figures (Step A1; NO - Step A5; NO - Step A11; NO - Step A13; NO - Step A17;
YES), the controller 11 makes the operator specify recognition time of operation buttons
or the numeric keypad 12c displayed on the liquid crystal display 12a through the
numeric keypad 12c, and stores data corresponding to the recognition time in the RAM
14 (Step A18). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing in Step A4.
[0068] When the wheelchair mode is specified on the mode specifying screen which is not
shown in figures (Step A1; NO - Step A5; NO - Step A11; NO - Step A13; NO - Step A17;
NO - Step A19; YES), the controller 11 makes the operator specify the angle of the
operation panel 12 through the numeric keypad 12c, and stores data corresponding to
the angle in the RAM 14 (Step A20). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing
in Step A4.
[0069] Then, the controller 11 determines whether the setting of the mode specified on the
mode specifying screen which is not shown in figures is finished or not (Step A4).
When the controller 11 determines that the setting of the mode specified is not finished
(Step A4; NO), the controller 11 performs the processing in Step A1 again, in order
to set another mode. On the other hand, when the controller 11 determines that the
setting of the mode specified on the mode specifying screen which is not shown in
figures is finished (Step A4; YES), the controller 11 relates the condition to the
name of the mode, and stores them in the handicapped person data file 15a of the nonvolatile
memory 15 (Step A21). Thereafter, the controller 11 finishes the mode setting processing
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0070] Next, the condition changing processing for changing the condition of the operation
function corresponding to the normal healthy person or the handicapped person will
be explained with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0071] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the condition changing processing performed
by the image forming apparatus 1.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4A, the controller 11 determines whether the mode set at present
is the normal healthy person mode or the handicapped person mode on the basis of the
condition of the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d (Step B1).
[0073] When determining that the present mode is the normal healthy person mode in Step
B1 (Step B1; the normal healthy person mode), the controller 11 cancels the condition
stored in the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B2). Then, the controller 11
obtains usual data stored in the normal healthy person data file 15b. Then, the controller
11 sets back the usual condition on the basis of the usual data. More specifically,
the controller 11 changes the brightness and the display colors of the liquid crystal
display 12a (Step B3), and changes the recognition time of the buttons, the numeric
key 12c and the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d displayed on
the liquid crystal display 12a (Step B4). Then, when the controller 11 generates angle
data corresponding to the usual angle of the operation panel 12 and outputs it to
the driving section 13, the driving section 13 operates and rotates, and thereby adjusts
the angle of the operation panel 12 (Step B5). Then, the controller 11 sets the sound
guide OFF (Step B6), and changes the size of the buttons displayed on the display
screen (Step B7). Thereafter, the controller 11 finishes the condition changing processing
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0074] When determining that the present mode is the handicapped person mode in Step B1
(Step B1; the handicapped person mode), the controller 11 determines whether the completely
blind mode is specified or not with reference to the handicapped person data file
15a (Step B8). When determining that the completely blind mode is not specified (Step
B8; NO), the controller 11 performs the processing in Step B11. On the other hand,
when determining that the completely blind mode is specified (Step B8; YES), the controller
11 extracts data corresponding to the sound volume from the handicapped person data
file 15a, and specifies the sound volume of the speaker section 12e (Step B9). Then,
when the controller 11 reads the sound guide data out of the sound guide data file
15c, the controller 11 outputs the sound guide from the speaker section 12e (Step
B10). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing in Step B11.
[0075] Next, the controller 11 determines whether the weak-sited mode is specified or not
with reference to the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B11). When determining
that the weak-sighted mode is not specified (Step B11; NO), the controller 11 performs
the processing in Step B17. On the other hand, when determining that the weak-sighted
mode is specified (Step B11; YES), the controller 11 confirms that the sound guide
is not started, extracts data corresponding to the sound volume from the handicapped
person data file 15a, and specifies the sound volume of the speaker section 12e (Step
B12). Then, when the controller 11 reads the sound guide data out of the sound guide
data file 15c, the controller 11 outputs the sound guide from the speaker section
12e (Step B13).
[0076] Then, when the controller 11 extracts data corresponding to the brightness (contrast
and luminance) of the liquid crystal display 12a from the handicapped person data
file 15a, the controller 11 changes the gradation voltage applied to the liquid crystal
display 12a (more specifically, TFT elements) on the basis of the data (Step B14).
Then, when the controller 11 extracts data corresponding to the size of the button
displayed on the liquid crystal display 12a from the handicapped person data file
15a, the controller 11 changes the size of the button displayed on the liquid crystal
display 12a on the basis of the data (Step B15). For example, the controller 11 usually
enlarges the size of the button displayed on the liquid crystal display 12a shown
in FIG. 5A to the size of the button displayed on the liquid crystal display 12a shown
in FIG. 5B. Then, the controller 11 changes the display colors of the liquid crystal
display 12a on the basis color data corresponding to the display colors stored in
the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B16). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs
the processing in Step B17.
[0077] Then, the controller 11 determines whether the color-blind mode is specified or not
with reference to the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B17). When determining
that the color-blind mode is not specified (Step B17; NO), the controller 11 performs
the processing in Step B19. On the other hand, when determining that the color-blind
mode is specified (Step B17; YES), the controller 11 changes the display colors of
the liquid crystal display 12a on the basis of color data corresponding to the display
colors stored in the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B18). Thereafter, the
controller 11 performs the processing in Step B19.
[0078] Then, the controller 11 determines whether the hearing mode is specified or not with
reference to the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B19). When determining that
the hearing mode is not specified (Step B19; NO), the controller 11 performs the processing
in Step 23. On the other hand, when determining that the hearing mode is specified
(Step B19; YES), the controller 11 confirms that the sound guide is not started, extracts
data corresponding to the sound volume from the handicapped person data file 15a,
and specifies the sound volume of the speaker section 12e (Step B20). Then, when the
controller 11 reads the sound guide data out of the sound guide data file 15c, the
controller 11 outputs the sound guide from the speaker section 12e (Step B21).
[0079] Then, when the controller 11 extracts data corresponding to the brightness (contrast
and luminance) of the liquid crystal display 12a from the handicapped person data
file 15a, the controller 11 changes the gradation voltage applied to the liquid crystal
display 12a (more specifically, TFT elements) on the basis of the data (Step B22).
Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the processing in Step B23.
[0080] Then, the controller 11 determines whether the slow action mode is specified or not
with reference to the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B23). When determining
that the slow action mode is not specified (Step B23; NO), the controller 11 performs
the processing in Step B25. On the other hand, when determining that the slow action
mode is specified (Step B23; YES), the controller 11 extracts data corresponding to
the recognition time of the buttons and the numeric keypad 12c displayed on the liquid
crystal display 12a from the handicapped person data file 15a, and changes the recognition
time of the buttons and the numeric keypad 12c displayed on the liquid crystal display
12a on the basis of the data (Step B24). Thereafter, the controller 11 performs the
processing in Step B25.
[0081] Then, the controller 11 determines whether the wheelchair mode is specified or not
with reference to the handicapped person data file 15a (Step B25). When determining
that the wheelchair mode is not specified (Step B25; NO), the controller 11 finishes
the condition changing processing shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. On the other hand, when
determining that the wheelchair mode is specified (Step B25; YES), the controller
11 extracts data corresponding to the angle of the operation panel 12 from the handicapped
person data file 15a. Then, when the controller 11 generates angle data on the basis
of the data and outputs it to the driving section 13, the driving section 13 adjusts
the angle of the operation panel 12 (Step B26). For example, the controller 11 makes
the driving section 13 adjust the angle of the operation panel 12 as shown in FIG.
6. Thereafter, the controller 11 finishes the condition changing processing shown
in FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0082] As described above, the controller 11 determines whether the present mode is the
normal healthy person mode or the handicapped person mode on the basis of the condition
of the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d. Then, in case of the
normal health person mode, the controller 11 applies the operation function based
on the usual condition stored in the normal healthy person data file 15b to the operation
panel 12. On the other hand, in case of the handicapped person mode, the controller
11 applies the operation function based on the condition (the condition corresponding
to the completely blind mode, the weak-sighted mode, the color-blind mode, the hearing
mode, the slow action mode or the wheelchair mode) stored in the handicapped person
data file 15a to the operation penal 12.
[0083] More specifically, when the condition of the handicapped person is the completely
blind condition, the weak-sited condition or the hearing condition, the controller
11 starts the sound guide with the sound volume based on the condition from the speaker
section 12e. When the condition of the handicapped person is the weak-sighted condition
or the hearing condition, the controller 11 changes the brightness of the liquid crystal
display 12a. When the condition of the handicapped person is the weak-sighted condition
or the color-blind condition, the controller 11 changes the display colors of the
liquid crystal display 12a. When the condition of the handicapped person is the weak-sighted
condition, the controller 11 changes the size of the buttons displayed on the liquid
crystal display 12a. When the condition of the handicapped person is the slow action
condition, the controller 11 changes the recognition time of the buttons, the numeric
keypad 12c and the normal healthy person/handicapped person switch SW 12d displayed
on the liquid crystal display 12a. When the condition of the handicapped person is
the wheelchair condition, the controller 11 makes the driving section 13 adjust the
angle of the operation panel 12.
[0084] Accordingly, it is possible to provide the image forming apparatus 1 that the most
suitable operation functions to the normal healthy person and the handicapped person
are applied to the operation panel 12, in consideration of the use of both the normal
healthy person and the handicapped person.
[0085] Although the display section disposed for the operation panel 12 has been explained
with the liquid crystal display 12a according to the above-described embodiment, it
is not limited to the liquid crystal display 12a. The display section may consist
of the liquid crystal display 12a and a LED, or only a LED. When a LED may be used
as the display section, light volume of the LED may be adjusted in order to adjust
the brightness of the display section.
[0086] Further, although it has been explained that the gradation voltage applied to the
liquid crystal display 12a is changed in order to change the brightness of the liquid
crystal display 12a according to the above-described embodiment, it is not limited
to this embodiment. For example, when the liquid crystal display 12a comprises a back
light, light volume of the back light may be adjusted in order to change the brightness
of the liquid crystal display 12a.
[0087] Further, although it has been explained that the sound guide is set ON when the condition
of the handicapped person is the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition
or the hearing condition according to the above-described embodiment, it is not limited
to this embodiment. The sound guide may be set ON or OFF as necessary.
[0088] Further, although it has been explained that the mode according to the condition
of the handicapped person is stored in the handicapped person data file 15a in the
mode setting processing shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B performed by the image forming apparatus
1 according to the above-described embodiment, it is not limited to this embodiment.
For example, the condition of the mode corresponding to the condition of the handicapped
person may be previously stored in a nonvolatile memory of a personal computer or
the like, and the data stored in the nonvolatile memory may be used. In the case,
an operation unit of the personal computer, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch
panel or the like may function as the selecting section.
[0089] Further, although it has been that the size of the button displayed on the liquid
crystal display 12a is changed (enlarged) when the condition of the handicapped person
is the weak-sited condition according to the above-described embodiment, it is not
limited to this embodiment. The size of the operation instruction content displayed
on the button and the size of another operation instruction content displayed on the
liquid crystal display 12a may be changed (enlarged).
[0090] Although the present invention has been explained according to the above-described
embodiment, it should also be understood that the present invention is not limited
to the embodiment and various changes and modifications may be made to the invention
without departing from the gist thereof.
[0091] According to the present invention, because the operation function of the operation
panel is changed according to the user, it is possible to improve the operation of
the image forming apparatus in view that normal healthy persons and handicapped persons
use the image forming apparatus.
[0092] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily specify whether the
user is the normal healthy person or the handicapped person by switching the toggle
switch alternatively. Further, because the user is always specified, it is possible
to smoothly change the operation function according to the user. Furthermore, because
the user can be specified by one toggle switch, it is possible to reduce cost of the
apparatus.
[0093] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to change the condition
such as the sound guide of the operation panel, sound volume, brightness of the display,
display colors, the recognition time of operation buttons displayed on the display,
the angle of the operation panel or the like, according to the condition of the handicapper
person (the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition, the color-blind
condition, the hearing condition, the slow action condition, or the wheelchair condition).
As a result, it is possible to improve the operation of the image forming apparatus
for handicapped persons.
[0094] According to the present invention, because a plurality of conditions of the handicapped
person can be selected, it is possible to apply operation functions corresponding
to the plurality of conditions of the handicapped person to the operation panel. Consequently,
for example, when the condition of the handicapped person includes the completely
blind condition and the wheelchair condition, it is possible to change the angle of
the operation panel with outputting the sound guide of the operation panel. As a result,
it is possible to provide the most suitable operation environment of the image forming
apparatus for the handicapped person.
[0095] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is at least one of the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition and
the hearing condition, because the operation guide is outputted with sounds, it is
possible that the handicapped person operates the image forming apparatus easily.
[0096] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is the hearing person, it is possible to specify the sound volume of the operation
guide with sounds, for example, to specify the higher sound volume than usual. Consequently,
when the condition of the handicapped person is the hearing condition, it is possible
to adjust the sound volume of the operation guide so that the handicapped person can
hear the operation guide easily.
[0097] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is at least one of the hearing condition and the weak-sighted condition, because the
display function is changed, for example, it is possible to change luminance, the
contrast, light quantity or the like of the display. Consequently, when the condition
of the handicapped person is at least one of the hearing condition and the weak-sited
condition, it is possible to adjust brightness of the display so as to be seen easily.
[0098] According to the present invention, the condition of the handicapped person is the
weak-sighted person, because the operation instruction content to be displayed on
the display is enlarged and displayed on the display, it is possible to adjust the
operation instruction content so as to be seen easily.
[0099] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is at least one of the weak-sighted condition and the color-blind condition, because
the display colors of the display are changed on the basis of the specified display
color, it is possible to adjust the display so as to be seen easily.
[0100] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is the slow action condition, because the recognition time of the operation of the
operation panel is changed, it is possible to determine the most suitable recognition
time.
[0101] According to the present invention, when the condition of the handicapped person
is the wheelchair condition, because the angle of the operation surface of the operation
panel is changed, it is possible to adjust the angle so that the operation panel is
seen easily.
[0102] According to the present invention, when the user is the normal healthy person, the
operation function of the operation panel changed according to the handicapped person
is canceled, and the operation function corresponding to the normal healthy person
is applied to the operation panel. Consequently, it is possible to apply the operation
function which the normal healthy person can use easily to the operation panel. Further,
because the most suitable operation of the image forming apparatus is provided for
the user, it is possible that the normal healthy person and the handicapped person
use the image forming apparatus in common.
[0103] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. Tokugan 2002-147753 filed
on May 22, 2002 including specification, claims, drawings and summary are incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
1. An image forming apparatus comprising an operation panel having a display and an input
section, the apparatus comprising:
a specifying section for specifying whether a user is a normal healthy person or a
handicapped person;
a storage for storing an operation function when the normal healthy person uses the
apparatus, and an operation function when the handicapped person uses the apparatus;
and
an operation function changing section for reading a corresponding operation function
out of the storage, and changing an operation function of the operation panel according
as the normal healthy person or the handicapped person is specified by the specifying
section.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the specifying section comprises a toggle switch
for switching between the normal healthy person and the handicapped person alternatively,
and specifying any one of the normal healthy person and the handicapped person.
3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 and 2, further comprising a selecting section
for selecting a condition of the handicapped person from a completely blind condition,
a weak-sighted condition, a color-blind condition, a hearing condition, a slow action
condition and a wheelchair condition, when the user is the handicapped person,
wherein the storage stores an operation function when the handicapped person uses
the apparatus, according to the condition of the handicapped person selected by the
selecting section; and
the operation function changing section reads the operation function corresponding
to the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section out of
the storage, and changes the operation function of the operation panel so as to correspond
to the condition of the handicapped person, when the handicapped person is specified
by the specifying section.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the selecting section is capable of selecting a
plurality of conditions of the handicapped person.
5. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 and 4, further comprising a guide section for
outputting an operation guide with sounds,
wherein the operation function changing section makes the guide section output
the operation guide of the operation panel when the condition selected by the selecting
section is at least one of the completely blind condition, the weak-sighted condition
and the hearing condition.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a sound volume specifying section for
specifying sound volume of the operation guide outputted by the guide section, when
the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is the hearing
condition.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 6,
wherein the storage further stores a display function provided for the display, when
the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least
one of the hearing condition and the weak-sighted condition, and
the operation function changing section changes the display function of the display
on the basis of the display function stored in the storage, when the condition of
the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least one of the hearing
condition and the weak-sighted condition.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the storage further stores a display function to
enlarge and display an operation instruction content displayed on the display, and
a display size, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting
section is the weak-sited condition, and
the operation function changing section enlarges and displays the operation instruction
content to be displayed on the display on the basis of the display function and the
display size stored in the storage, when the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section is the weak-sighted condition.
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 8,
wherein the storage further stores a specified display color of the display, when
the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least
one of the weak-sited condition and the color-blind condition, and
the operation function changing section changes display colors of the display on
the basis of the specified display color stored in the storage, when the condition
of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section is at least one of the
weak-sited condition and the color blind condition.
10. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 9,
wherein the storage further stores a specified recognition time of an operation on
the operation panel, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the
selecting section is the slow action condition, and
the operation function changing section changes a recognition time of the operation
on the operation panel on the basis of the specified recognition time stored in the
storage, when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section
is the slow action condition.
11. The apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 10, further comprising an angle changing section
for changing an angle of an operation surface of the operation panel,
wherein the storage further storages a specified angle of the operation surface
of the operation panel when the condition of the handicapped person selected by the
selecting section is the wheelchair condition, and
the operation function changing section changes an angle of the operation surface
of the operation panel by the angle changing section on the basis of the specified
angle stored in the storage, when the condition of the handicapped person selected
by the selecting section is the wheelchair condition.
12. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 11,
wherein the operation function changing section cancels the operation function changed
according to the condition of the handicapped person selected by the selecting section,
and changes the operation function of the operation panel for the normal healthy person
on the basis of the operation function corresponding to the normal healthy person
stored in the storage.